Public Awareness Towards Rabies and its Management among Residents from the Origin of Rabies Outbreak, Serian Division of Sarawak

Abstract

Introduction:
This study explored public awareness of rabies and its management among the residents at the origin of the rabies outbreak in Serian division of Sarawak.
Methods:
This cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2022 at Serian Hospital's Outpatient Pharmacy Department. Patients visiting during this period were invited to participate. The questionnaire was developed based on a thorough literature review and expert opinions, and it was pre-tested for clarity and cultural appropriateness after translation into Malay and Mandarin. All questions were designed to be unidimensional, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze and report the findings.
Results:
A total of 390 respondents were included in the analysis. The majority were female (55.9%), aged 40-
49 years (32.1%), identified as Bidayuh (56.2%), owned dogs or cats (56.9%), and had attained at least a secondary education (76.4%). Most respondents obtained information about rabies from the media (60.5%). Almost all respondents (95.6%) had heard of rabies, and 90.3% were aware of its potentially fatal consequences. However, only 22.3% knew that rabies in humans cannot be cured once symptoms appear. Among the respondents who owned dogs or cats (n=222, 56.9%), a significant proportion (51.4%) reported never vaccinating their pets. Of those who did vaccinate (n = 108), only 55.6% (n = 60) had their pets vaccinated within the past 12 months. Regarding local wound management, 76.2% knew that immediate washing of the wound site with running water is essential.
Conclusion:
This pioneering study in Malaysia assesses awareness of rabies and its management among residents in an area affected by a recent outbreak. It underscores significant knowledge gaps that healthcare authorities and practitioners must promptly address through tailored and effective health communication strategies.